AAA predicts worst travel days around Christmas holiday

DUARTE, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Traffic stacks up on the west- and east-bound lanes of the 210 Foothill Freeway near Los Angeles as Thanksgiving holiday travelers hit the freeways on November 24, 2010 in Duarte, California. Thanksgiving holiday travel is expected to increase 11 percent from 2009 according to AAA. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Kevork Djansezian

Self, Zachary

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The Auto Club announced the worst days to drive or fly in San Diego during the Christmas travel rush.

8.2 million people will travel in Southern California for the holiday, AAA spokesman Doug Shupe reported. All but one million of them will drive.

The worst of the commute starts Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., as regular weekday traffic combines with travelers looking for an early start on their vacation.

“Holiday travelers who booked ahead saved on airfares, which were about 20 percent lower than for this time last year, and on hotel rates, which were slightly cheaper than for last year’s holiday,” said Filomena Andre, the Auto Club’s vice president for travel products and services. “Economic health and some lower travel costs are giving consumers more opportunities to enjoy ‘big ticket’ vacations during the holidays and throughout the year.”

Lindbergh Field officials suggest travelers arrive at least one and a half hours before their departure time for domestic flights and two and a half hours ahead of time for international flights.